I AM a sports fan of a cer tain age, in this case 44, so growing up in Brooklyn, I had plenty of friends who were Yankees fans and, thus, many whose favorite player – their idol – was Bobby Murcer.

I was a Cincinnati Reds fan because the player I absolutely wanted to emulate was Pete Rose, and my second favorite was Joe Morgan.

Once in this business, I began to meet many of the people I watched and admired as a kid. I think if I were forced to rank the two most disappointing people I have met in this walk of life Rose and Morgan would rank 1-2 in some form; unless unfettered arrogance is now a charming characteristic.

But my friends who loved Murcer had it right. If I were making a list of the nicest people I met in this business, Murcer would be right near the top.

I will tell a story I think sums up Murcer. He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor following the 2006 season and underwent an operation that winter. He was strong enough to return for Opening Day of the 2007 season and I was standing in the clubhouse chatting with Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman when Murcer walked in.

Bobby came up to us and I stuck out my hand to say hello and Murcer said, “How are you doing?” Now, I know that is just a common nicety. But the idea that Murcer – bald and obviously a little more frail considering his medical condition – would ask how I was doing was, well, instructive to the man. He was just incredibly nice and decent, and I truly believe he wanted to know how my winter had gone.

When I told him, “Bobby, the question really, is how are you doing?” Murcer began to talk about all the blessings in his life, beginning with a loving wife and so many well-wishers that he was sure were helping to make him feel strong enough to be there that day.

I looked at that man and what I thought was, “please give me his grace and dignity to handle adversity.”

Murcer’s life, of course, was too short. But he leaves a legacy that anyone would want: superb at his work, better as a person. He lived without enemies. He made people smile when he walked over to join a conversation. I honestly cannot ever remember a negative word leaving his lips.

Pete Rose and Joe Morgan lived down to lower expectations than I could have ever imagined for them. Bobby Murcer was a champion every day in every way.